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Best CPF wisdom/comments?

What's the best comment or piece of prophetic speculation you've seen on this forum? What observation, tests, or even remarks have most affected your involvement in this hobby and why?

For me, I wish I could remember the exact post, but roughly a year ago in a discussion regarding the Dorcy Super 1-watt I believe, someone made a comment to the effect that in a year, there would be brighter and cheaper lights that could run on AA as opposed to 123's. And that these lights would be cheaper than several of the 123's currently available.

Not knowing all that much about lights, i was very skeptical of the prospects of an AA light being able to produce as much if not more than a 123 at a cheaper price, however looking at the slew of Cree lights available now, its clear that this can be the case.

I really wish I could drege up that post, but for the life of me I cannot recall too much of the specifics and it wasnt even in a thread I had posted in unfortunatley. However, that CPF members declaration has definatley come true and I'd like to know if anyone else here has had similar experiences.

Re: Best CPF wisdom/comments?

I can't believe I get to be the first to say this, but...

When in doubt, "buy both!"

Okay, in all seriousness, I'm conflicted over the advice we give here. Many people will tell you that you should buy high-quality lights right from the start. The reasoning goes that because you'll eventually end up becoming a better flashaholic and buying more expensive lights anyway, this method will save you money in the long run (by preventing you from wasting money on inferior lights in the short run).

But I'm not entirely sure I agree. I think that these "cheapie" lights provide a useful measure of comparison. After all, if you start off by buying a light with a perfect beam, you have nothing to look forward to and nothing to reach for. And you appreciate the light less, because you never actually had to endure a light with lesser features. If you start off with a Ferrari Enzo, what's the fun in later getting a Porsche Boxster? You're ruined as a car collector, because you started off at the pinnacle.

That said, if you're ever in doubt between two lights, "buy `em both!" as we're so fond of saying here. It really will help you compare the two side-by-side, so that you can actually appreciate the differences between them. And assuming that you got a decent price on the lights, you can always resell them here. Even if you buy a $100 flashlight and resell it for $89, it's only cost you $11 to rent that flashlight for a month or two - a small price to pay for being able to compare two unique flashlights and confirm that you've found the one you really like best!

Re: Best CPF wisdom/comments?

Originally Posted by FlashInThePan

Many people will tell you that you should buy high-quality lights right from the start. The reasoning goes that because you'll eventually end up becoming a better flashaholic and buying more expensive lights anyway, this method will save you money in the long run (by preventing you from wasting money on inferior lights in the short run).

But I'm not entirely sure I agree. I think that these "cheapie" lights provide a useful measure of comparison. After all, if you start off by buying a light with a perfect beam, you have nothing to look forward to and nothing to reach for. And you appreciate the light less, because you never actually had to endure a light with lesser features. If you start off with a Ferrari Enzo, what's the fun in later getting a Porsche Boxster? You're ruined as a car collector, because you started off at the pinnacle.

That said, if you're ever in doubt between two lights, "buy `em both!" as we're so fond of saying here. It really will help you compare the two side-by-side, so that you can actually appreciate the differences between them. And assuming that you got a decent price on the lights, you can always resell them here. Even if you buy a $100 flashlight and resell it for $89, it's only cost you $11 to rent that flashlight for a month or two - a small price to pay for being able to compare two unique flashlights and confirm that you've found the one you really like best!

Re: Best CPF wisdom/comments?

The best advice I have received from CPF is to actually use my lights. When I first joined last year I bought quite a few lights in a short period of time and these lights ended up on a shelf. When I bought my HDS U60 and my first McLux III PD I was afraid to carry them. I have always been a bit overprotective about newly bought items but after reading some posts here I came to the realization that I wanted to be a user. I now only have an Al PD-S, a Ti PD-S, a seoulmodded HDS U60 and a Fenix L1T with CR123 body. I EDC the Ti PD-S now but the other lights get used as well. When I sell lights its only because they are not getting used and I'd rather have someone else own them then have them sitting in my drawer. Nothing wrong with having shelf queens (I wish I could afford to stock my shelves with all kinds of cool lights) but I like to use my lights. There is a good feeling that comes from using a reliable, versatile tool and bringing light to where there is darkness.

Re: Best CPF wisdom/comments?

Part of somebody's sig line: "If there's a 50% chance of rain, you bring an umbrella. There is a 100% chance it will get dark tonight." Funny part is, I never use umbrellas, but I always have two lights on me.

Re: Best CPF wisdom/comments?

"THey're photon extruders!!!" ...the most interesting comment I would have to say is "number of lights you need = x+1 where x is your current total number of lights "

All started with a streamlight keymate...CPF, NOW LOOK WHAT YOU HAVE DONE!...embarking on the journey for a real light...better than surefire ...making pathetic attempt searching for the ultimate aa cough-cree cough cough ion cough

Re: Best CPF wisdom/comments?

There's also the ever popular " "

All started with a streamlight keymate...CPF, NOW LOOK WHAT YOU HAVE DONE!...embarking on the journey for a real light...better than surefire ...making pathetic attempt searching for the ultimate aa cough-cree cough cough ion cough

Re: Best CPF wisdom/comments?

A lower intensity light can be more useful in some situations.

I guess I always KNEW this, but to see it actually posted, and with reasons (close-up work, maneuvering around the house without waking others, etc.), made me really appreciate some of my weaker, floodier flashlights (Inova X5, MiniMag with NiteIze drop-in, etc.).